Hey guys,
I was wondering if there was anyone out there that offers some sort of class on building bows.  The build along threads on here are great, but I need a lot more help than that.  I never have had anyone to help me learn any sort of mechanical or wood working skills, I  guess that is just an excuse at 33(but no father to speak of). So, if any of you know someone with-in about 6-8 hours of Ohio, I would be more than happy to travel on weekends or whatever, pay them for their time, knowledge and all materials. As I read posts on here and I saw that bear hunt thread, I really have the itch to make my own bow.  Something about proving to myself I can hunt with equiptment I made makes sense to me.  I appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Charlie(buckeye_hunter)

Charlie: it's really a shame you're in Ohio. I don't think there is a single soul who makes bows in that state.      


(maybe that will get their attention).    

Getting started without hands-on instruction is not as difficult as it seems. Check out the following websites of Trad Gangers to get started: Ferret, Jawge, John Scifres, Tim Baker  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000043

Ya just missed MOJAM lots of hands on there.

I got Mark Keller's video out of 3-Rivers. It was killer !
DR

Thanks, Lost Arra. Nope. I can't think of anyone in OH who makes bows.    Jawge

There is that one guy that lives near Cinci, what was his name???

Lost Arra,
  I know there are excellent laminant bow makers in Ohio, but I don't personally know of any self bow makers.  Maybe one of them will read this post.  
  Also, I looked at the thread you suggested.  I think it might be just enough to get me in trouble.  I think I could follow the first few steps, but after that.....Well shoot, I'm more likely to end up on the business end of the arrow than a deer!!
Charlie

Where are you in Ohio? I know a fella or two.

Ohio....? Makes selfbows...? What IS that fellas name ?    
Too bad ya just missed Mojam Buckeye.Buy the Bowyers Bibles is the best advice I can give ya.It is not that hard to learn how to do and you don't need a lot of tools either.

Osage,
Just moved to Galion about 15 min west of Mansfield.
-Charlie

For osagetree            

Dano: I think he's the zookeeper at the Cincinnati zoo. He posts all sort of deer and turkey photos here.    


Buckeye: I'm only talkin' selfbows. I can't help you with the lam bows.

If you can't find a Buckeye, come over here to Indy anytime.  I'll learn ya'.  We are having a bowhunt bowmaking gathering in Southern IN in October if you are interested.  Here's the details:    Southern Indiana Bowhunt and Bowbee

Paul Comstock? Dean Torges? Joe Weed? Kenny Yoder? Jason Lester? Mike Hall? Who you guys talking about?

Oh nobody in particular.    Jawge

Not sure where Galion is. I'll have to look on the map when I return from the mountains on Sunday evening. I'll try to get in touch with you when I return.
If you can, do the Indiana thing with John S. I would love to do that myself, but don't know if'n I can yet.

Signing off until Sunday night!

I think they are referring to someone called "The Ferret".  He is a covert bowmaker near Cincinatti, the 007 type from what I hear.    
-Charlie

Yes, Mr. Ferret, sir, if you decide to teach a class I would be very interested in attending.

Ahhh yes,the elusive "Ferret"...yes I think he is rumored to live in Ohio.Hard to believe that he was overlooked...or is it looked over ?  

Brad Merkel(Littletree) 579 miles - 11 hours drive to Viroqua, WI for Bradjam next spring.

Mickey (the Ferret) Lotz 189 miles - 4 hoursdrive near Cinci

Bernie Swank - Mystic Longbows western IL SW of Peoria gives classes. 483 miles - 9 hour drive

or you can do what many of us have done... get a piece of yeller wood (osage) start hacking and post lots of pictures on here. Many folks will give you feed back and help as you go.

Yeah Buckeye, make some plans to attend the October Hoosier Nat'l forest hunt/ bow bee. Hope you cn make it.
 I'll be there and quite a few others as well. I'll make sure theres a buncha wood there for you to pick from. There'll be plenty of wood I'm sure and lotsa experience waiting to be shared.
Chris